emotion

noun

emo·​tion i-ˈmō-shən 

1

a

: a conscious mental reaction (such as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body

b

: a state of feeling

c

: the affective aspect of consciousness : feeling

2

a

: excitement

b

obsolete : disturbance

Synonyms

• chord
• feeling
• passion
• sentiment

Choose the Right Synonym for emotion

feeling, emotion, affection, sentiment, passion mean a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation.

feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

Examples of emotion in a Sentence

a display of raw emotion

The defendant showed no emotion when the verdict was read.

She was overcome with emotion at the news of her friend's death.

Recent Examples on the Web

The evening was replete with emotion and impassioned speeches, with each honoree getting introductions from surprise guests. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 22 Sep. 2023

But in the best, most generative rivalries, pacific emotions eventually prevail. —Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023

Experiencing secondhand embarrassment lights up areas in the human brain associated with pain and the recognition of emotions. —Charlotte Hu, Popular Science, 20 Sep. 2023

Though Holly was being a trouper with just her mom in South Africa for her nuptials, the soon-to-be sister-in-law was considerate of Holly’s underlying emotions. —Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2023

The dress evokes a range of emotions, from joyful remembrance to sadness at the absence of her mother now. —Devine Blacksher, Essence, 19 Sep. 2023

Their miserable reality without Rodgers is already leading to emotions boiling over, from Breece Hall expressing frustration about getting only four carries to Ahmad Gardner deactivating his Twitter account after hearing it from Cowboys fans. —Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2023

Her prose is full of unexpected detail, and emotions ranging from rage to empathy. —Vogue, 11 Sep. 2023

Many are exhausted and heartbroken, and emotions are running high. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 10 Sep. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from emouvoir to stir up, from Old French esmovoir, from Latin emovēre to remove, displace, from e- + movēre to move

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Kids Definition

emotion

noun

emo·​tion i-ˈmō-shən 

1

: strong feeling : excitement

2

: a mental reaction (as anger or fear) marked by strong feeling and usually causing physical effects

Medical Definition

emotion

noun

emo·​tion i-ˈmō-shən 

1

: the affective aspect of consciousness

2

: a state of feeling

3

: a conscious mental reaction (as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body compare affect

emotional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

emotionality

-ˌmō-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

noun

plural emotionalities

emotionally

-ˈmō-shnə-lē, -shən-ᵊl-ē 

adverb